Luis Enrique shows support for Xavi after Barcelona dismissal

It is a disappointing day at FC Barcelona as the club confirmed the sacking of Xavi Hernandez as the manager.

The 44-year-old legend will leave the Blaugrana after their La Liga game against Sevilla on Sunday, bringing an end to a two-and-a-half-year stint.

Xavi’s exit comes only a few weeks after Barcelona president Joan Laporta had confirmed that he would continue as manager until the end of next season.

Luis Enrique reacts to Xavi’s sacking

Following the announcement, Xavi has received support from fellow managers as Sevilla head coach Quique Sanchez Flores lashed out at Barcelona for the way they treat their legends.

Now, former Barcelona boss and current PSG head coach Luis Enrique has also shown support for Xavi, stating that he still believes the former midfielder should have stayed.

Bidding adieu. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Enrique had expressed the same sentiment when Barça faced PSG in the UEFA Champions League earlier this season and stood by it, saying (h/t beINSport):

“After the match in Barcelona (Champions League), I said two things. The second was that I wanted Xavi to continue at Barcelona. I still think the same.”

Hansi Flick to replace Xavi

Even though an official confirmation is yet to arrive, Barcelona are set to appoint former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick as Xavi’s replacement.

The German tactician has been without a job since September 2023 and will be heading to the Catalan club, with an announcement expected to be made sometime next week.

It must be noted that Luis Enrique was also briefly linked with a possible return to Barcelona but it was never going to be a reality given that he is tied down to a contract at PSG until 2025.